For clarity, go surfing

Nathan PetersenGenerations, Succession, Vision

Almost nine months ago I took a leap of faith when I decided to leave Stronger Philanthropy and sell my condo in downtown Toronto. Like many, the pandemic left me feeling depressed, burnt out from endless zoom calls, and confused about life both socially and politically. The worldview that I entered the pandemic with did not stand up to the … Read More

Connecting money to mission

Mark PetersenGrantmaking, Strategy, Vision

Major donors have investments that are earmarked for charitable purposes. But lately I’ve been wondering how to unlock that value. Philanthropy offers a way to see invested funds create social change. It happens through surrender – giving it away. As one surrenders capital, and trusts a valued charity, those investments are channeled into lives changed: education received, capacity built, vision … Read More

Changes in family philanthropy

Mark PetersenVision

While family philanthropy is frequently created as a vehicle to ensure the perpetuity of funding charitable causes, one should not think this means that a foundation never changes. Family philanthropy is ever-evolving. The foundation you knew a decade ago has shifted in the intervening years. In some cases, the foundation you knew even last year has also shifted significantly. Creative … Read More